jim vance has the highlights from the big day. >> reporter: the celebration of democracy on our nation's front lawn. hundreds of thousands converging on the mall to witness history. the president taking the ceremonial oath on bibles used by president lincoln and dr. martin luther king junior. >> so help me god. >> congratulations, mr. president. >> reporter: in his address he echoed themes sounded by both lincoln and king. >> while freedom is a gift from god, it must be secured by his people here on earth. >> reporter: the president talked policy, urging action on the deficit, global warming, and the protection of children. >> we reject the belief that america must choose between caring for the generation that built this country and investing in the generation that will build its future. >> reporter: he called for action not just from washington, but from each and every one of us. >> we are made for this moment, and we will seize it, so long as we seize it together. >> reporter: the ceremony a treat for the senses, for the eyes a sea of red, white and blue. ♪ glory glory hallelujah >>